Dec 4, 2023 | Island News
It’s holiday shopping time, and time to think of those we love. For gifts, we shop locally, and we encourage others to do the same. Not only are you buying your loved ones unusual and often hand-made items, you are supporting local businesses! Your gift dollars are helping Crucians to pay their rent, send their children to school, buy food and gas, and cover other expenses. Small businesses depend on our business. Think of it as giving twice – one gift to your loved one, and the second to the small business owner. We have such a variety of shops and services here! To get us in the holiday spirit, there are many holiday events where shopping is a delightful adventure! Below are some ideas for local shops where we have found wonderful gifts! If you can’t choose a present, another way of giving is a gift certificate to a shop or restaurant, or a donation in that person’s name to one of the island’s many organizations who help make a difference on St. Croix!
Chris and I hope you have a wonderful holiday, enjoy the colorful lights, eat yummy food, and connect with friends and family in the heartfelt warmth of the season. Of course, if you are on St. Croix, you are already warm and surrounded by the smiling faces of those of us who are blessed to live here! It’s a wonderful time of the year! Happy holidays!
Chaney Chicks & Island Gifts, LLC – https://www.chaneychicks.com
Crucian Gold – https://cruciangold.com
Cultured Naturals Body Care – https://culturednaturalsbodycare.com
Dive Experience – https://divexp.com
FantaSea Jewelry – https://fantaseajewelry.com
From the Gecko Boutique – https://fromthegecko.com
ib designs – https://ibdesignsvi.com
Joyia-Inspirational Jewelry- https://joyiajewelry.com
Jump Up Deli & Dem Tings – https://www.facebook.com/jumpupdeli
Many Hands Gallery – https://www.yelp.com/biz/many-hands-art-christiansted
Mitchell Larsen Studio – https://mitchelllarsenstudio.com
Riddims – https://www.facebook.com/riddimsstx
RJS Handmade Designs – https://www.rjshandmadedesigns.com
Sonya Ltd. – https://www.sonyaltdstore.com
Southgate Corner Farmers’ Market – https://www.facebook.com/groups/1173503619716087
St. Croix Ultimate Bluewater Adventures – https://www.stcroixscuba.com
Susan Mango St Croix – https://www.facebook.com/Susan-Mango-St-Croix-554417361587639
Sweet Lime Furnishings – https://www.sweetlimefurnishings.com
The Frame Up – https://www.facebook.com/theframeupstcroix
Tropical Bracelet Factory – https://www.islandbracelets.com
Undercover Books & Gifts, St. Croix – http://www.undercoverbooksstcroix.com
Nonprofit Organizations:
Lion Haven St. Croix Community Center – https://www.facebook.com/lionhavenstx/
My Brother’s Workshop STX – https://mybrothersworkshop.org
REAL Cruzan Cats – https://www.realcruzancats.org
Ruff Start STX – https://stcroixawc.org
St. Croix Animal Welfare Center – https://stcroixawc.org/
St. Croix Environmental Association – http://www.stxenvironmental.org/
St. George Village Botanical Garden – https://www.thegardenstcroix.org/
The Nature Conservancy in the Caribbean – https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/caribbean
World Ocean School – https://worldoceanschool.org/
YAG Breast Cancer Foundation – http://www.yagfoundation.org/
Dec 1, 2023 | QA
Published on our November 2023 Newsletter
Question: “What are the top 5 hidden costs of home buying?”
Chris’ Answer:
- Closing costs, prepaid fees, and other fees. Getting a loan costs money. Plan on paying for your loan to be processed along with an appraisal fee. Closing costs and prepaid fees generally range between 3% – 5% of the purchase price.
- Inspections. We feel an inspection by a licensed home inspector is key to any home or condo purchase. The owner will disclose anything of which they are aware, but an inspector will give you a full detailed report. For a home or land, you will want a survey done. Often an appraisal is needed.
- Association fees. Condos have HOA fees. Some homes do, too. These fees will be pro-rated for the year at closing.
- Maintenance, repairs, and decorating. Your monthly budget responsibilities after purchase could include landscaping, pool maintenance, pest control, garbage pickup, cable TV, and internet. Also, you will want to make your new home YOURS. So, budget for decor, paint, landscaping, furniture, or anything else you may want to change.
- Utility bills. Don’t let budgeting for utilities get lost in your excitement. Think about the energy you will be using (water, electricity, AC, pool, washer/dryer, etc.), and add that to your monthly budget.
Contact us with any real estate questions!
Dec 1, 2023 | QA
Published on our November 2023 Newsletter
Question: “What is holding buyers back from buying a property?
Christie’s Answer: Inventory and affordability are the two top issues for Buyers, according to ABR’s (Accredited Buyers’ Representative) monthly magazine. The third issue is that Buyers seem to have unrealistic expectations.
On St. Croix, inventory has been low for several years, and this continues to be true. Since every property here is truly unique, it’s important to be ready to make an offer when a property you love becomes available. It most likely will be sold when you are ready to relocate. Buy it now! Until you are ready to live there yourself, you can rent it as either long-term, or a vacation rental. Knowing what you would like in a property and possible location on the island is key to a successful purchase.
Buying property on St. Croix differs from buying property in most states. To assist our Buyers to have realistic expectations, we take time to discuss the process, and answer all questions.
Despite all of the preparations, sometimes there are unforeseen challenges which can delay closing. For example, on one large parcel of land we sold, an archeological site was found of a Pre-Columbian ball court. Historical research was needed, and legal documents prepared. Ultimately, that portion of the land could not be disturbed by the new owners. They were delighted to have such a site on their land!
Contact us with any real estate questions!
Nov 20, 2023 | Community Events, Island News
The unofficial start of the holiday season on St. Croix begins with Christiansted Holiday Jump Up. To “jump up” means to dance with jubilation, and guests should expect to fully commit to doing this and much more at this popular event! A festival-like block party, Christiansted Holiday Jump Up is when the streets of downtown Christiansted are blocked off to vehicular traffic to allow everyone to “jump up” and enjoy an evening of excitement and togetherness at this unique and cultural experience. Christiansted Holiday Jump Up is hosted by Christiansted Retail & Restaurant Association (CRRA), a community organization comprised of downtown area businesses that focuses its efforts on the needs of the Christiansted community. Held four times a year on a Friday night, the last Jump Up of the year typically takes place the Friday after Thanksgiving.
Locals, residents, and visitors flood the streets to enjoy live street performances from some of the island’s most cherished groups. Moko Jumbies, the infamous cultural icon of the U.S. Virgin Islands, make their esteemed appearance with Guardians of Culture Moko Jumbies. A staple in our Virgin Islands culture for centuries, it is said that they ward off evil spirits and protect those around them from any oncoming danger. This is why it is considered a blessing to be in their presence. Enjoy live music at every turn with the sweet sounds of pan and iron steel pan groups, smooth jazz sounds, and melodic tunes from musical groups that cover genres ranging from R&B, calypso, soca, and pop. Street vendors set up their tables throughout downtown Christiansted serving local foods and drinks and selling jewelry, arts and crafts, and much more. Christiansted Holiday Jump Up is the perfect time to get a jump start on holiday shopping! As a bonus, Christiansted businesses and restaurants will extend their hours to 9pm to accommodate the crowds and offer several specials in celebration of the event.
The event takes place four times a year. Upcoming dates are November 24, 2023, and Feb. 14, May 5 and July 7, 2024. The biggest Jump Up is held in February on Valentine’s Day.
Come out and enjoy a night on the town with good food, family, and friends!
Written by Anquanette Gaspard agaspard@cruzanfoodie.com
Nov 20, 2023 | Island News
This is wonderful news for the University of the Virgin Islands (UVI) and for healthcare in the territory! The UVI School of Nursing (SON) will soon have a brand-new, state-of-the-art learning facility that will train existing and future nurses. At the official groundbreaking ceremony held this November on the Albert A. Sheen Campus on St. Croix, UVI officials, government dignitaries, students, and guests gathered to celebrate the construction of the 11,800 square foot building that will serve as the learning center for nursing students and house the University’s Health Services Department. VI Lieutenant Governor Tregenza Roach said at the ground-breaking event, “We are poised to have a quality healthcare system in the Territory with these facilities at our disposal that will be critical in addressing the health needs of the people of the Virgin Islands as well as the health needs of our neighbors in the Caribbean who have no facilities that are comparable to the ones we have here.”
Read the full press release here.
